Coupling threshold theory and satellite-derived channel width to estimate the formative discharge of Himalayan foreland rivers

Abstract. We propose an innovative methodology to estimate the formative discharge of alluvial rivers from remote sensing images. This procedure involves automatic extraction width a channel Landsat Thematic Mapper, 8, and Sentinel-1 satellite translate extracted images using width–discharge regime curve established previously by us for Himalayan rivers. is based on threshold theory, simple physical force balance that explains first-order geometry channels. Using this procedure, we six major foreland: Brahmaputra, Chenab, Ganga, Indus, Kosi, Teesta Except highly regulated (Indus Chenab), our estimates can be compared with mean annual obtained historical records gauging stations. have shown applies both braided single-thread over large territory. Furthermore, does not rely continuous ground calibration.